(January 23, 2019) The national gas price average may have held flat on the week at $2.25, but just a three cent drop would bring the U.S. average to the lowest since December 2016. However, as crude oil prices continue to climb it does not look like pump prices will drop much lower than we’ve seen so far this year, according to AAA.

“Crude oil prices have increased by $5 a barrel since the beginning of the year, but over-supply of crude in the market and low demand have helped to keep the national average relatively stable,” said Jeanette Casselano, AAA spokesperson.

“Crude oil prices will be a dominant factor towards determining if motorists will see slightly cheaper or more expensive pump prices in coming weeks.”

On the week, state gas price averages fluctuated with a handful of southern and mid-western states seeing gas prices increase, though the majority of states saw averages decrease or hold flat. Today’s national gas price average is nine cents cheaper than a month ago and 29 cents less expensive than a year ago.

Quick Stats

    The nation’s top 10 largest weekly changes are: Kentucky (+7 cents), Florida (+6 cents), Utah (-6 cents), Louisiana (+5 cents), Wyoming (-5 cents), Illinois (+4 cents), Oregon (-4 cents), Vermont (-4 cents), Washington (-4 cents) and Alabama (+3 cents).

    The nation’s top 10 least expensive markets are: Missouri ($1.90), Arkansas ($1.94), Oklahoma ($1.94), Mississippi ($1.95), Texas ($1.96), Alabama ($1.96), South Carolina ($1.97), Kansas ($1.98), Louisiana ($1.99) and Tennessee ($2.02).